NLTP 2021–24 $2.6 billion target investment

During the next three years we will invest $2.6 billion improving the state highway network, with our focus being on delivering our existing programme of work that improves safety, supports better freight connections and emissions reduction goals.

During this National Land Transport Programme (NLTP), we will complete significant state highway projects to provide better freight connections across the country, including Te Ahu a Turanga; Manawatū Tararua Highway. This will reconnect the Manawatū and the Hawke’s Bay, significantly reducing both distances travelled and travel times, carbon emissions and freight costs.

In Auckland, completion of SH16 Brigham Creek will improve safety and the Pūhoi to Warkworth Motorway extension, north of Auckland, will deliver better freight connections. In Wellington, the Northern Corridor improvements will help provide safer access to growth areas along the Kāpiti Coast and in Horowhenua and better travel options.

New investments of $103 million are planned across the state highway network in this NLTP period:

  • In Auckland, we’re investing in a state highway optimisation programme to deliver a range of targeted small-scale projects, and adding west-facing ramps to Squadron Drive on SH18 to reduce traffic volumes along Hobsonville Drive.
  • In Wellington, we’re investing in strategic highway improvements as part of Let’s Get Wellington Moving (LGWM) and improvements at Wellington Port to support the proposed relocation of the ferry terminals to accommodate KiwiRail’s new, larger ferries. This investment also supports the local road and state highway connections at Aotea Quay, Thorndon Quay and Hutt Road.
  • Across Cook Strait, in Picton, we’re supporting KiwiRail’s new ferries with improvements to SH1 and local roads to better manage the higher volumes of vehicles, including road and rail freight, being carried by the new ferries.
  • In Gisborne we’re improving the resilience and safety on SH2 through Waioeka Gorge, between Gisborne and Ōpōtiki to support freight.
  • In Southland and Otago, our investment focus is on improving the resilience of SH94 Milford Road through the rockfall/avalanche protection programme, and addressing high-risk slip areas along SH6 Haast to Hawea and SH94 Milford Road to Te Anau Downs.

The Crown also continues to make significant investment in state highways through the NZ Upgrade Programme.

Investment in this activity class will also support connections with other transport options such as public transport and walking and cycling.

Our improvement programme is focused on increasing the reliability and resilience of critical parts of the network that are essential for moving people and freight. Through the replacement and improvement of end-of-life bridges, as part of our resilience programme, we are strengthening freight links to support growth.